Malaise

It seems that there's a general malaise and frustration, both online and offline right now. I've seen it in various blogs and political forums I visit. I feel the same way myself.

A lot of this comes from the tension over the most likely imminent invasion of Iraq. I get tired and worn down from hearing the same simplistic clichés from those on the "anti-war" side. Sure, there are also those on the "pro-war" side who are too flippant and jingoistic about this very serious matter, but they seem to be in the minority. And what's often taken as flippancy by some is simply an expression of anger towards the pro-appeasement, peace-at-any-cost crowd.

Yes, that's right, anger. Anger at disrespect to our servicemen and women and their children. Anger at ignorant celebrities. Anger at the petulant sanctimony of some of my fellow Christians.

I have to deal with the anger and frustration in a way that doesn't turn me into a bitter crank. Some people write their best stuff when they're angry. The passion comes through in their writing and it's a catharsis for those of us who are not good writers. I can't get away with writing stuff when I'm angry. I just end up sounding shrill and nasty. So, I usually end up channeling the anger into humor and sarcasm. Or I'll tune out, rolling my eyes and just saying, "Whatever..."

The thing is, I don't think of myself as a gung-ho, pro-war type. To me, it's an ugly necessity -- the thing we have to do because nobody else can or will do it. The job that should have been finished in 1991. Sure, you could stick your head in the sand and not worry about the smallpox and the nukes and hope the UN will give Saddam a stern enough taking to that he will promise to be good from now on. But some of us have chosen to face reality, which is ugly and messy. After all, reality gave America a hard punch in the stomach on 9/11/2001.

So, what can I do about this malaise? I don't really know. Pray, I guess, although I have to admit I've had a hard time praying lately for some reason. The fact that I've been less-than-impressed with many of my fellow Christians doesn't help much. Perhaps I could try less sarcasm and more tuning out. I could try to support things that are positive and helpful.

I will do my best. Lent is coming and I want to refresh and regroup.